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Learning Abroad in Italy

"Learning a new language implies learning about a new culture and expanding one's perspective. As a former study abroad student, I know how precious this is."—Ombretta Frau

Learning abroad in Italy will provide unique study and/or research opportunities that will greatly expand a student’s understanding of the Italian language and culture. A stay in Italy can provide students with a unique perspective on culture, customs, traditions impossible to experience fully on our campus. Seniors with demonstrated achievement in language learning, cultural immersion, global perspective-taking, and cross-cultural learning may also qualify for the Global Competence Award.

Study Abroad

Where to StudyThe Italian program at Mount Holyoke College approves the programs below for a semester or an academic year stay. We strongly recommend students to consult the Italian faculty about which program best suits their needs. For more information about study abroad programs, how to apply, financial aid, and credit transfer, see the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives Study Abroad.

Academic Year/Semester ProgramsBelow are the programs most recommended by the Italian program, but there are many others that can be explored. Students can apply for need-based funding for some of these programs. In addition to the selected language programs below, students take other courses from the university.

Boston University in PadovaThe Padova Language and Liberal Arts Program offers a semester or academic year of intensive language and culture study and coursework. Students live with a host family.

Middlebury College in FlorenceStudents studying in Florence will have an international experience. Among the numerous programs for U.S. students in Florence, Middlebury's is noteworthy for the linguistic proficiency of its students who are appreciated by the Florentine community for the seriousness of their commitment to experience Italian life fully and to live in the culture.

Middlebury College in Ferrara*Not for everyone*; the local office is in Florence is about two hours away. Students are completely independent (i.e., on their own) for everything that concerns classes and accommodation.

When to StudyMost students elect to study in Italy in their junior year. The department strongly encourages all majors or potential majors to spend at least one semester abroad.

Credit TransferCourses applied to an Italian major or minor do not have to be restricted to Italian literature. They may include courses in Italian culture, history, or politics. The term ‘culture’ is open to interpretation, but classes that concentrate on topics such as food and wine, fashion, local history, or folklore may not be used to fulfill major or minor requirements unless the class has a socio-historical perspective, a proper syllabus, and proper assignments. Students should keep syllabi, books, copies of exams/papers, reading lists etc. since the department will always review this material upon a student's return from Italy.

Students who want to use classes taken in Italy to satisfy their language requirement should contact Professor Frau before studying abroad.

Summer Internships

A summer internship in Italy allows students to use the Italian language and explore possible career paths. It is also a wonderful opportunity to engage with other Italian speakers in a different cultural context.

Please contact Morena Svaldi for advising around logistics for the two programs below.

Office of International Partnerships Development, Ca' Foscari University of Venice: in coordination with the Office of International Relations, the intern participates in the orientation, curriculum planning, and welcoming activities for international students. The intern also gains substantial experience in translation. For more information and how to apply.

CISabroad: interns work for the program as liaisons for students studying abroad in Rome and Florence. Interns gain experience in digital communications and marketing, implementing cultural activities and regional travel. For more information and how to apply.

Funding is available through the Lynk Universal Application Form (UAF). For more details about internship opportunities and funding, please contact Kirk Lange, Director of International Experiential learning at the McCulloch Center.